Volume 4, Chapter 32: Kevin, Otto, and a Collaboration Spanning Fifty Thousand Years 1

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While Schicksal deliberated on its future path, at that moment in Africa, the World Serpent Base was welcoming a significant event.

Kevin had returned.

Despite expending considerable energy to traverse the barrier constructed by Welt and spending prolonged time within the Sea of Quanta, which left his body not yet fully recovered to peak condition, he managed to make his way back.

Unlike the original storyline, this time Gray Serpent prepared numerous Honkai Energy reactors specifically for the Lord, allowing him to absorb them all at once.

Only Raven felt sorry for the cost.

These Honkai Energy reactors amounted to billions of dollars at least.

Of course, for Gray Serpent and the fanatical Jackal, such expenses meant little.

Not all World Serpent leaders were present; at least from Raven's observation, Owl and Hare were absent. Each leader remained fiercely loyal to World Serpent, but their loyalty was directed towards the vision of defeating Honkai, rather than solely to the Lord himself.

Even though many viewed conquering Honkai as merely wishful thinking.

Kevin's return did not warrant any grand ceremonies, and both Mikoyan Industries and Divine City Pharmaceuticals, subsidiaries of World Serpent, continued operations as usual.

The former was World Serpent's arms company selling Honkai weapons internationally, while the latter partnered with Shenzhou to distribute Honkai Energy suppression medications. Both companies received numerous large government orders each year, generating substantial profits for World Serpent.

Kevin never involved himself directly in managing World Serpent; these tasks were always overseen by Gray Serpent.

"My Lord."

A spark of enthusiasm flashed in Jackal's eyes as she spoke, "The venue, materials, and drugs for Project Stigma are all fully prepared. With your permission, Master, we can initiate Phase One of Project Stigma."

By initiating Project Stigma, she undoubtedly meant using Tianqiong City as the site to generate sufficient Honkai Energy, thereby selecting individuals possessing Stigmata.

Raven, standing nearby, instinctively took a step back upon hearing this.

She did not agree with the approach of creating large-scale Honkai Events to select Stigmata holders. Having witnessed those bearing Stigmata in Nagazora City, Raven knew their lives became unbearable once they left areas heavily affected by Honkai.

Unable to resist, Raven interjected, "In essence, both the Coral Island and Nagazora City Collapses could be considered parts of Project Stigma, albeit not under your direct control."

"No, no, it's not the same," Jackal responded fervently like a passionate scientist. "A large-scale Honkai event occurs instantaneously, leaving too little time for Stigma bearers to activate their genes before being killed by Honkai Beasts or Zombies. This time, I will gradually control the concentration of Honkai Energy."

"Actually, experiments involving Honkai are quite simple; it only seems challenging because of its ominous name."

Raven fell silent. She wasn't skilled at arguing within unfamiliar territories.

Kevin's eyes remained indifferent. "If you're confident, go ahead with your plan."

He didn't particularly care about its success or failure; he was never one to rush things.

In truth, even Mobius had not fully understood the true nature of Stigmata, so it would be surprising if Jackal could unravel it. Kevin never expected much from him in the first place. The real Project Stigma... had already been set in motion long ago amidst the passage of time.

To Kevin, Jackal was merely a convenient tool for now.

As for innocent lives lost due to Jackal's plans, Kevin showed no concern.

"You may all withdraw now. I have a guest to meet next."

"Yes, sir."

Gray Serpent and the others departed.

Kevin, remaining seated, quietly awaited his visitor.

"How should I address you?"

A youthful yet commanding voice responded, "The mightiest warrior of the previous civilization era? The revered Lord of the World Serpent? Or perhaps the architect of destiny?" The newcomer strode confidently like a young lion.

"These titles can truly be overwhelming. Let's keep it simple and call you Kevin."

He didn't consider this remark offensive, as he possessed ample capital to back his audacity.

"After spanning fifty thousand years, the collaboration between two civilizations is finally reaching its conclusion. Isn't that worth raising a toast? I imagine you've been eagerly anticipating this outcome too."

The visitor was Otto Apocalypse.

Meanwhile, at Schicksal...

Rin agreed to temporarily study within Schicksal, and generously, Durandal gifted her with the Jizo Mitama.

The Divine Key, Jizo Mitama, possessed the ability to manifest consciousness, theoretically allowing any individual's consciousness to be brought into reality as a revived living being.

However, such power comes at a cost. Manifesting someone's consciousness would demand an equally high price, akin to sacrificing another user's life.

But Rin was different.

She was the rightful wielder of this Authority, albeit a former one, yet still its master.

Therefore, she first manifested the consciousness stored within her additional Stigmata.

It appeared as a miniature version of Rin—a four-tailed, childlike Higokumaru.

Upon Higokumaru's emergence, Rin distinctly felt the power previously supplied by the Stigmata cut off. Clearly, the source of the Stigmata's strength was linked to the Holy Mark consciousness.

"Ah, you're...grown-up me?"

Higokumaru clearly recognized Rin as well and blinked curiously, "Where's my Eldest Sister?"

Rin tilted her head, "I'm not sure either."

Her memories only extended up to five hundred years ago, so naturally, she was unaware of Theresa and Yae Sakura's involvement.

"But my sister will emerge soon; you can call her 'Eldest Sister' too."

"No way, no way! I have only one Eldest Sister," Higokumaru firmly stated, recognizing Yae Sakura as such.

The two began staring at each other, locked in a silent standoff until the aroma of something delicious wafted through the air.

Ana reappeared with more delectable treats, intending to offer them to Rin. However, she noticed Higokumaru fluttering over unsteadily, exclaiming, "That smells amazing! Can I have some?"

Ana glanced between Higokumaru and Rin, seeking guidance.

Feeling helpless, Rin explained, "You can think of her as my little sister."

"A Holy Mark consciousness?"

"Yes."

Naturally, Higokumaru also became the subject of further study alongside Rin.

Upon receiving this news, Xia Chen felt somewhat intrigued and suddenly considered using Jizo Mitama's ability to manifest Herrscher of Ice Ana's Holy Mark consciousness.

But... how would he explain it to Ana?

Moreover, whenever he communicated with their Holy Mark consciousnesses, neither Ana nor Sirin seemed eager to enter this 'real' world.

Over time, as Xia Chen consistently supplied them with Honkai Energy, the stigma space had likely become their ideal utopia.

He couldn't help but think that possessing such power would be desirable too.

With Rin and Jizo Mitama's matter seemingly reaching a temporary conclusion, Xia Chen turned his attention to utilizing another item from the system: the Special Soul Steel Locator.